John Barrowcliff Jr.

1923 - 2010

John Henry Barrowcliff, Jr.
John Henry Barrowcliff, Jr. was born in Zion, Illinois, on October 12, 1923, and passed into Glory on September 23, 2010, at the age of 86. The only child of John and Mary Barrowcliff, John was blessed not only by these wonderful Christian parents but also by a large extended family that stayed in contact throughout their lives. His family moved to Spencer, Indiana, when he was 12 and soon thereafter he met the attractive girl next door, Phyllis Hoover, who he married in 1947.
John was a 6'6" basketball star at Spencer High School and Butler University, where he played for the great coach Tony Hinkle. John was later honored by being inducted into both the Butler Hall of Fame and the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
John served his country in the Coast Guard in both the North Atlantic and Pacific during World War II. After college, rather than pro basketball, he became a manager trainee for Goodyear, playing on their basketball team in the industrial league. John focused on warehousing and shipping and during his successful career he helped create and teach the integrated field of "distribution" and was a speaker for the American Management Association.
John always had a smile and encouraging word, and gave great hugs. He was a very loving son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. His children will always be grateful for his love, faith, guidance and encouragement, and how he made family such a priority. He worked hard yet always took the time to support his children's interests. He and Phyllis lived in several states, longest in California, including 20 retirement years in Lompoc enjoying church and family activities, golfing and traveling before joining their daughter in Santa Barbara.
John was a deacon and elder in Presbyterian Churches, where he and Phyl were always active. His faith in God was central to his life, and his generosity, kindness and integrity witnessed his gratitude for the grace and blessings he had received. Although he suffered from increasing dementia the last 15 years, the light of his love and faith continued to bless all around him.

John is survived by Phyllis, his loving wife of 62 years, daughter Ellen Duke, son Brent (Debra), grandchildren Brent (Laurie), Brandon, Lynn (Brett), Beth, and Mark, and brother- and sister-in-law John and Louise Hoover.

A celebration of John's life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, October 23, 2010, at El Montecito Presbyterian Church, 1455 East Valley Road, Montecito, CA 93108. Friends may want to consider donation to a favorite church or charity in lieu of flowers.